The WWE Raw after WrestleMania is often as anticipated an event as the two night’s that precede it in many cases.
While it doesn’t always live up to the hype (looking at you Raw after WrestleMania 39), this year has more potential than others to be special.
Unlike last year, Triple H should actually have full control over the creative for the show and will surely realise the need to live up to the lofty expectations fans have.
It’s sure to be an absolutely raucous crowd in Philly, so here’s hoping we get some returns, new arrivals and a shock turn or two.
Here’s seven potential surprises WWE could book for the Raw after WrestleMania 40.
7. Braun Strowman Returns
The Monster of all Monsters has been missed during his lengthy absence from WWE competition.
Aside from an appearance at the Bray Wyatt tribute show on August 25 episode of SmackDown, Strowman has not been seen in almost an entire year – with his last match coming on May 1, 2023.
Strowman was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery a month later in June, with no recent news on an impending return.
This is something the former WWE Universal Champion is targeting however, while the Summer may be a more realistic goal based on his comments in a December 2023 interview with India’s News 18, maybe there’s a chance we could see him sooner?
A return, and immediate heel turn on former partner Ricochet would be a great way to make an immediate statement, or perhaps Strowman will simply provide back up to the One and Only in his fight against The Judgment Day.
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6. Damian Priest Cashes In Money in the Bank
Now, this is obviously very much contingent on Damian Priest NOT cashing in the briefcase at WrestleMania 40 – as many expect him to do.
Becoming only the second person ever to cash-in at WrestleMania would be a huge moment for Priest obviously, but if there’s ever a good second choice it’s certainly the night afterwards.
As seen in 2013 when Dolph Ziggler cashed-in on Alberto Del Rio, the Raw after Mania can make for a truly standout cash-in environment.
Obviously that was aided by Ziggler’s massive popularity at the time, but even though Priest is a heel I’ve got no doubt him cashing in on either Seth Rollins or Drew McIntyre would be received with a big pop. People just love cash-ins after all.
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5. Seth Rollins Challenges Cody Rhodes
Another pick very contingent on the weekend’s events – IF and it’s still a big if, Cody Rhodes does in fact finish the story on WrestleMania Sunday, he will of course be needing a brand new challenger.
While a rematch with Roman Reigns or eventual first-ever one-on-one showdown with The Rock would be expected at some point, it’s highly likely we won’t see either man for quite some time following WrestleMania.
So, what’s the next best thing? A feud with the man that helped him earn the title in the first place: Seth Rollins.
Whether this in friendly competition or perhaps a shock heel turn from Rollins, it sure would make for a major first angle for Cody as champion. Obviously if Rollins and Reigns retain at Mania, ignore this one.
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4. Chad Gable Beats GUNTHER/Sami Zayn
As popular as Sami Zayn is, it’s fairly evident that a majority of the people wanted to see Chad Gable get another chance at GUNTHER in Philadelphia.
Sure, it would have left Zayn off the WrestleMania card, which would be insane considering where he was last year, however, it just made sense. Gable’s story was pretty much already written, it just needed that ending.
Zayn vs. GUNTHER will be a banger of a match no doubt, and it’s one that could go either way despite The Ring General’s dominance. Regardless, I think Triple H should listen to the people and right his wrong by giving Gable his shot on April 8.
Just imagine that pop if Gable did pull it off and dethrone GUNTHER, or even knock Zayn off in his very first defence. The former would be preferable, but the latter would make for an interesting storyline going forward.
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3. WWE NXT Call-Ups
It used to be custom to see an NXT call-up or two the week after WrestleMania. Shinsuke Nakamura, The Revival & Paige spring to mind. It’s always nice to begin WWE’s season with some fresh faces.
Perhaps much like last year the Raw after Mania will not feature any call-ups, with stars being instead being moved across via the WWE draft. While that makes sense, I feel the impact is far lessened compared a surprise debut.
There’s many names that seem on the verge of a call-up: Gallus, Dijak, Carmelo Hayes, Roxanne Perez etc.
Given the wide field, instead of hiding my bets on one in particular, I’m gonna play it safe and say we get at least one NXT mover on April 8.
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2. New Bloodline Members Debut
Whether Roman Reigns finally loses his title or not, I think there is a big chance we see The Bloodline expand its ranks over the next week.
As we speak Jacob Fatu and Lance Anoa’i as well as extended family Tama Tonga and Juicy Finau are all free agents and technically available to make the move to WWE.
Based on reports Tonga is the most Riley to arrive, however, Lance Anoa’i did recently tease joining his family on social media ahead of WrestleMania.
If WWE plan on continuing The Bloodline story past WrestleMania 40, they’re going to absolutely need a shot in the arm, especially if Rock and Roman are off TV. Whether its all four or just one, some new blood one The Bloodline is surely coming.
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1. Cody Rhodes Retires The WWE Universal Championship
If the Raw after WrestleMania is to feature the celebration of Cody Rhodes ending the near four-year championship run of Roman Reigns, then it should also be the time to tidy up the title itself.
Ever since the creation of the World Heavyweight Championship nearly a year ago, the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship held by Roman Reigns has been… Disputed.
You simply can’t have an Undisputed Championship when there is a another world title on the other show. It makes no sense.
Obviously fans have voiced this since the World Heavyweight Title came to be, however, with Reigns’ lengthy title run being based around his time with the Universal belt specifically, WWE’s hands were tied.
At present the WWE Championship and Universal Championship still exist as separate entities despite there only being one physical title, making for a confusing lineage going forward.
The WWE Championship is the belt that Cody desires, it’s the one that needs to remain. It has the legacy, prestige and wasn’t entirely color coded based on what brand it was on.
So, hopefully after Cody dethrones Roman at WrestleMania, he also does some Spring cleaning. Scrapping the long-winded Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, returning it to its rightful state as just the WWE Championship. Nice and simple.
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